Compact disc visual/audio display system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for outputting images and any associated audio stored on a photo compact disc includes a compact disc reader and a control device. The compact disc reader is adapted to have at least two heads which are able to read multiple video and audio tracks on the photo compact discs. The reader has a first video and audio output representative of one image and any associated audio stored of the photo compact disc and has a second video and audio output representative of another image and any associated audio stored on the photo compact disc. The control device has display video and audio outputs and an first/second switch. The first/second switch is coupled between the first and second video and audio outputs and the display video and audio outputs. The control device is operable to control the first/second switch to selectively change the display video output between the images from the first and second video outputs without a noticeable transitional delay in response to the audio on the display audio output. With the system, a viewer will not notice a transitional delay between displayed images and displayed images will always be synchronized with the audio being output.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/143,329 filedOct. 26, 1993 and now is U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,596. This invention relatesgenerally to a visual/audio display system and more particularly to aphoto compact disc visual/audio display system which is able to switchimages on a viewing screen without a perceptible delay and is able tosynchronize the visual and audio display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical visual/audio display system consists of slide projectors,audio cassette decks and a viewing screen or video wall. Images onslides are displayed on the screen or wall in succession by the slideprojectors. The slide projectors can change the displayed image withoutany perceptible delay by a viewer. The cassettes played in the audiocassette decks provide any audio which may accompany the images beingdisplayed. Thus, with this system, a viewer observes a continuousdisplay of changing images and hears accompanying audio, without anydistracting transitions between the display of images.

New design challenges with conventional visual/audio systems, such asthe one described above, have resulted from the advent of photo CDtechnology. Basically, photo compact disc (CD) technology has enableddata representing one or more images and audio associated with eachimage to be stored on a photo CD. To display an image and hear theaudio, a photo CD player and a display device are needed. Morespecifically, when a viewer wishes to see an image stored on a photo CDand hear any associated audio, the photo CD is inserted into a photo CDplayer. The viewer inputs his selection to the photo CD player whichselects the desired image on the disc and reads the stored data. Thedata is transmitted to the viewing device to display the image and playany associated audio. The image remains on the screen until the viewerinputs his next selection, causing the photo CD player to select thenext desired image and to read the stored data on the disc. The data isagain transmitted to the viewing device, however before the viewingdevice can display the next desired image, a delay of approximatelythree to four seconds is needed to "wipe" the current image from thescreen of the display device. To the viewer, "wiping" appears as thereplacement of a first image by a second image. More specifically, thesecond image appears to replace the first image in discrete packets orlines. For example, the replacement appears to go line-by-line from topto bottom, column-by-column or diagonally in either direction. For manyapplications, this transitional delay is only a minor inconvenience,however with visual/audio systems which might use photo CD technologythis delay is particularly problematic.

As noted previously, visual/audio display systems involve thepresentation of a series of still images and audio. If photo CDtechnology was expanded into traditional visual/audio display systems,viewers would be subjected to a repeated delay between each image to bedisplayed, as the previous image is wiped from the screen or wall. Thisrepeated delay during the change of images would be very distracting toviewers and as a result would detract from the overall visual/audiopresentation.

PROBLEM(S) TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one problem to be solved is the development of avisual/audio display system which uses photo CD technology and is ableto change the image displayed on a viewing screen or video wall withouta viewer being able to detect a perceptible delay between programsegments.

Additional problems to be solved include the development of avisual/audio display system which uses photo CD technology and:

A. Samples the audio program material from each photo CD player;

B. Determines whether audio is present and if not then disables thechange image function of the photo CD player for a fixed duration oftime;

C. Determines if audio is of a predetermined length, and if it is notthe required length then disable the change image function of the photoCD player for a fixed duration of time; and

D. Advances the standby player to the correct image in the programsequence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to providea photo compact disc visual/audio system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a visual/audiosystem for photo compact disc technology which is able to change theimage displayed on a viewing screen or video wall without a viewer beingable to detect a perceptible delay.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide avisual/audio system for photo compact disc technology which is able tosynchronize the visual and audio presentation.

According to the present invention, these and other objects andadvantages are achieved in an apparatus and method for displayingsuccessive images with associated audio stored on a photo compact disc.The apparatus includes first and second photo compact disc players forplaying the photo compact disc and a control device. Each photo compactdisc player has an output representative of one image and any associatedaudio stored on the photo compact disc. The control device has a displayoutput and an internal switch coupled to the outputs of the first andsecond photo compact disc players and to the display output. The controldevice is able to control the switch to selectively change the displayoutput between the images and any associated audio from the outputs ofthe first and second photo compact disc players without a noticeabletransitional delay. Additionally, the control device is able to queuethe first or second photo compact disc player not selected by thecontrol device for connection to the display output to the next imageand any associated audio on the photo compact disc for display. Thesystem monitors the audio output by the first and second photo compactdisc players and an internal timer to control when the switch is made.With the system, a viewer will not notice a transitional delay betweendisplayed images. Additionally, the visual images will always besynchronized with the audio output.

In an alternative embodiment, another apparatus and method fordisplaying successive images with any associated audio without aperceptible transitional delay between displayed images includes acompact disc reader and a control device. The compact disc reader isadapted to have at least two heads which are able to read two differentvideo and audio tracks on the photo compact disc. The reader has a firstvideo and audio output representative of one image and any associatedaudio stored on the photo compact disc and has a second video and audiooutput representative of another image and any associated audio storedon the photo compact disc. The control device has display video andaudio outputs and an CD reader switch. The first/second switch iscoupled between the first and second video and audio outputs and thedisplay video and audio outputs. The control device is operable tocontrol the first/second switch to selectively change the display videooutput between the images from the first and second video outputswithout a noticeable transitional delay in response to the audio on thedisplay audio output. The control device may also include an internaltimer and is operable to control the CD reader switch in response to theaudio being output and the duration of the timer. With the system, aviewer will not notice a transitional delay between displayed images anddisplayed images will always be synchronized with the audio beingoutput.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT(S) OF THE INVENTION

With an apparatus or method in accordance with the present invention,the image displayed in a photo CD visual/audio display system can bechanged without a perceptible transitional delay and with the displayedimage and audio synchronized.

Accordingly with this apparatus or method, a viewer will not be able todetect any perceptible delay between images displayed on the screen orby differences between the displayed image and the associated audio.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is a block diagram of a portion of a portfolio photo compactdisc visual/audio control system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram of the remaining portion of thevisual/audio control system of FIG. 1(a);

FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram of a portion of a first master controller;

FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram of the remaining portion of the firstmaster controller;

FIG. 3(a) is a timing diagram for the first master controller;

FIG. 3(b) is another timing diagram for the first master controller;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first timer generator;

FIG. 5(a) is a timing diagram for the first timer generator;

FIG. 5(b) is another timing diagram for the first timer generator;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first mute generator;

FIG. 7(a) is a timing diagram for the first mute generator;

FIG. 7(b) is another timing diagram for the first mute generator;

FIG. 8(a) is a block diagram of a first next/pause generator;

FIG. 8(b) is a timing diagram for the first next/pause generator;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a compact discvisual/audio display system in accordance With the present invention;

FIG. 10(a) is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the systemshown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 10(b) is a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. 10(a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A photo compact disc visual/audio control system 20 in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1(a-b).Basically, the system 20 includes a first and second photo compact disc(CD) players 22 and 24 and a control device 26. The control device 26includes a first and second master controller 28 and 30, a first andsecond timer generator 32 and 34, a first and second mute generator 36and 38, a first and second next/pause generator 40 and 42, a first andsecond picture controller 44 and 46, a video switcher 48 and an audioswitcher 50. With the present invention, images displayed by theportfolio CD visual/audio system 20 can be changed by the system 20without a perceptible transitional delay by a viewer and also with thevisual images synchronous with the audio being output. As a result, afluid visual and audio presentation is provided with photo CDtechnology.

The invention is disclosed as being embodied preferably in avisual/audio system 20 such as Kodak's PCD-870. Because the features ofa visual/audio system are generally known, the description which followsis directed in particular only to those elements forming part of orcooperating directly with the disclosed embodiment. For example, clocksignals on some of the flip-flops in the drawings are not illustratedbecause their location and operation in the system would be well-knownand a matter of design choice to someone skilled in the art.Additionally, the control device 26 could include a manual overrideswitch or control (not shown) which would allow outside control overwhen the displayed image is changed. Accordingly, it is to be understoodthat other elements may take various forms known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1(a-b), the first master controller 28 performsseveral functions for the control device 26, including generating outputsignals for controlling the first player 22, the video and audioswitchers 48 and 50, the first timer generator 32, the first mutegenerator 36 and the second master controller 30. More specifically, thefirst master controller 28 is controlled by signals from the startbutton 52 via line 54, the first player 22 via line 58, the firstnext/pause generator via line 67 and the second master controller vialine 56. The signal on line 54 indicates when the start button 52 hasbeen pressed and the signal on line 58 indicates whether there is anyaudio with the image being displayed. Line 67 provides a signal from thefirst next/pause generator 40 which indicates when the first mastercontroller 28 should queue the first player 22 to the next image andanother signal which indicates when the first master controller 28should pause the first player 22. Finally, when the first player 22 hasbeen paused and the second player 24 has been playing, the signal online 56 from the second master controller 30 indicates when the firstmaster controller 28 may start up again to display the next image fromthe first player 22.

The first master controller 28 includes suitable logic and timingcircuitry for generating the output signals for controlling the firstplayer 22, the video and audio switchers 48 and 50, the first timergenerator 32, the first mute generator 36 and the second mastercontroller 30. More specifically, the first master controller 28controls the first player 22 by generating an output signal on line 60for pausing, unpausing or stopping the operation of the first player 22and controls the video and audio switchers 48 and 50 by generating anoutput signal on line 70 which indicates if the image and audio queuedto the first video and audio switchers 48 and 50 from the first player22 are selected.

The first master controller 28 also generates control signals forcontrolling the first timer generator 32 on lines 62 and 64, the firstmute generator 36 on line 66 and the second master controller 30 on line56. The signal on line 62 indicates when an internal timer (not shown)in the first timer generator 32 should be started. The purpose of theinternal timer is to provide the minimum display time for the each photoCD image. The timer should have a duration longer then the amount oftime need to wipe a second or new image over a first or old image on adisplay device. Presently, approximately 3.5 seconds is needed to wipe asecond or new image over a first or old image on a viewing screen orvideo wall. Accordingly, in this particular embodiment a five secondtimer is used to provide sufficient time to wipe and then queue asubsequent image. The signal output on line 64 indicates if any audiohas been detected with the displayed image by the first mastercontroller 28 before an internal timer (not shown) in the first mastercontroller 28 has expired. The internal timer in the first mastercontroller 28 has a shorter duration then the internal timer in thefirst timer generator 32. In this particular embodiment, a two secondtimer is used, although timers of other durations could be used ifdesired. The first master controller 28 monitors its internal timer inconjunction with the signal on line 58 which indicates if there is anyaudio with the displayed image to generate the Signal on line 64 ifthere is no audio present. Finally, the signal on line 56 indicates thatthe second master controller 30 should begin generating output signalsfor selecting the image and audio queued from the second player 24 fordisplay.

The first photo CD player 22 is designed to read selected video andaudio signals from a photo CD (not shown) inserted into the player 22.The first player 22 is controlled by output signals from the firstmaster controller 28 via line 60 and by the first picture controller 44via line 76. Line 60 includes a signal which can pause, unpause or stopthe player 22 and line 76 includes a signal which can disable the firstplayer 22 from changing the video and audio signals being read. In thisparticular embodiment, line 76 is coupled to the NIRQ line (not shown)in the first player 22 to prevent the image from changing. As notedearlier, the first player 22 outputs a signal to the first mastercontroller 28, via line 58, which indicates if any audio is present withthe image to be displayed. The first player 22 also outputs video andaudio signals read from the photo CD to the video and audio switchers 48and 50, via lines 72 and 74 respectively. Each switcher 48 and 50receives the respective video and audio outputs of the first and secondphoto CD players 22 and 24 and selectively connects the outputs of oneof the players 22 and 24 to the video display output 104 and the audiodisplay output 106.

The first timer generator 32 is designed to generate an output signal toinitiate a change in the displayed image after an internal timer hasexpired, only if either no audio accompanies the image being displayedor if the audio with the image stops before the internal timer expires.As noted earlier, a five second timer is used in this particularembodiment, although timers of other durations could be used if desired.More specifically, the first timer generator 32 is controlled by signalsfrom the first master controller 28 via lines 62 and 64 and by the firstmute generator 36 via line 82. As discussed earlier, the signal on line62 starts the internal timer in the first timer generator 32 and thesignal on line 64 indicates when audio has not been detected with thedisplayed image by the first master controller 28. On line 82, thesignal indicates when audio with the displayed image stops before theinternal timer in the first timer generator 32 has expired. The firsttimer generator 32 has suitable logic and timing circuitry fortransmitting a signal out to the first picture controller 44 via line 78and out to the first mute pulse generator via line 79 for the durationof the timer. The first timer generator 32 also has suitable circuitryfor monitoring its own internal timer and the signals on lines 64 and82. If the signal on line 64 indicates either there is no audio with thedisplayed image or the signal on line 82 indicates that the audio withthe displayed image has stopped before the internal timer has expired,then the first timer generator 32 generates a signal to the firstnext/pause generator 40 to indicate that a change in the displayed imageis needed via line 80 when the internal timer has expired.

The first mute generator 36 is designed to generate a signal to initiatea change in the displayed image when the audio with the displayed imagestops, only if the audio stops after the internal timer in the firsttimer pulse generator 32 has expired. The first mute generator 36 iscontrolled by signals from the first master controller 28 via line 66and the first timer generator 32 via line 79. Line 66 carries the signalfrom the first player 22 which indicates if there is any audio presentwith the image being displayed. Line 79 transmits the timer signal whichindicates when the internal timer in the first timer generator isrunning. The first mute generator 36 has suitable logic and timingcircuitry for generating a signal on line 82 which indicates that audiohas stopped during the duration of the timer in the first timergenerator 32 and for generating a signal on line 84 which indicates thatthe audio has stopped after the timer in the first timer generator 32has expired.

The first next/pause generator 40 is designed to generate the nextsignal and then the pause signal for switching the first player 22 tothe next image and then pausing the first player 22 when a change fromthe image being displayed by the first player is desired. The firstnext/pause generator 40 is controlled by signals from the first timergenerator 32 via line 80 and the first mute generator 36 via line 84.The signal on line 80 indicates that either no audio was detected withthe displayed image or the audio with the displayed image stopped duringthe duration of the timer in the first timer generator 32 and the timerin the first timer generator 32 has now expired. The signal on line 84indicates that the audio with the displayed image stopped after thetimer in the first timer generator 32 has expired. The first next/pausegenerator 40 includes suitable logic and timing circuitry to monitorlines 80 and 84 and to generate the signals on line 67 to initiate thechange of the displayed image. When either the signal on line 80 or line84 is received, the first next/pause generator 40 generates a nextsignal to the first master controller 28 to advance the first player tothe next image and then generates a pause signal to the first mastercontroller 28 to pause the first player 22.

The first picture controller 44 is designed to disable the first player22 from changing the displayed image. The first picture controller 44 iscontrolled by the timer signal on line 78 from the first timer generator32 and in response to the timer signal disables the first player 22 fromchanging images during the duration of the timer in the first timergenerator 32. The first picture controller 44 may control the disablingof the first player 22 with a FET switch (not shown).

The portion of the control device 26 illustrated primarily in FIG. 1(b)is substantially identical to that for the portion illustrated primarilyin FIG. 1(a), however for clarity the connections will be discussedbelow. Like the first master controller 28, the second master controller30 also performs several functions for the control device 26, includinggenerating output signals for controlling the second player 24, thevideo and audio switchers 48 and 50, the second timer generator 34, thesecond mute generator 38 and the first master controller 28. Morespecifically, the second master controller 30 is controlled by signalsfrom the first master controller 28 via line 56, the second player 24via line 86, and the second next/pause generator via line 96. The signalon line 56 indicates when the start button 52 has been pressed or whenthe image from the second player 24 is desired and the signal on line 86indicates whether there is any audio with the image being displayed.Line 96 provides a signal from the first next/pause generator 42 whichindicates when the second master controller 30 should queue the secondplayer 24 to the next image and another signal which indicates when thesecond master controller 30 should pause the second player 24.

The second master controller 30 includes suitable logic and timingcircuitry for generating the output signals for controlling the secondplayer 24, the video and audio switchers 48 and 50, the second timergenerator 34, the second mute generator 38 and the first mastercontroller 28. More specifically, the second master controller 30controls the second player 24 by generating an output signal forpausing, unpausing or stopping the operation of the second player 24 online 88 and controls the video and audio switchers 48 and 50 bygenerating an output signal on line 98 which indicates if the image andaudio queued to the first video and audio switchers 48 and 50 from thesecond player 24 is selected.

The second master controller 30 also generates control signals forcontrolling the second timer generator 34 on lines 90 and 92, the secondmute generator 38 on line 94 and the first master controller 28 on line56. The signal on line 90 indicates when an internal timer (not shown)in the second timer generator 34 should be started. The purpose of theinternal timer is to provide the minimum display time for the each photoCD image. The timer should have a duration longer then the amount oftime need to wipe a second or new image over a first or old image on adisplay device. Presently, approximately 3.5 seconds is needed to wipe asecond or new image over a first or old image on a viewing screen orvideo wall. Accordingly, in this particular embodiment a five secondtimer is used to provide sufficient time to wipe the image. The signaloutput on line 92 indicates if any audio has been detected with thedisplayed image by the second master controller 30 before an internaltimer (not shown) in the second master controller 30 has expired. Theinternal timer in the second master controller 30 has a shorter durationthen the internal timer in the second timer generator 34. In thisparticular embodiment, a two second timer is used, although timers ofother durations could be used if desired. The second master controller30 monitors its internal timer in conjunction with the signal on line 86which indicates if there is any audio with the displayed image togenerate the signal on line 92 if there is no audio present. Finally,the signal on line 56 indicates that the first master controller 28should begin generating output signals for selecting the image and audioqueued from the first player 22 for display.

The second photo CD player 24 is designed to read selected video andaudio signals from a photo CD (not shown) inserted into the player 24.The second player 24 is controlled by output signals from the secondmaster controller 30 via line 88 and by the second picture controller 46via line 108. Line 88 includes a signal which can pause, unpause or stopthe second player 24 and line 108 includes a signal which can disablethe second player 24 from changing the video and audio signals beingread. In this particular embodiment, line 108 is coupled to the NIRQline (not shown) in the second player 24 to prevent the image fromchanging. As noted earlier, the second player 24 outputs a signal to thesecond master controller 30, via line 86, which indicates if any audiois present with the image to be displayed. The second player 24 alsooutputs video and audio signals read from the photo CD to the video andaudio switchers 48 and 50, via lines 100 and 102 respectively. Eachswitcher 48 and 50 receives the respective video and audio outputs ofthe first and second photo CD players 22 and 24 and selectively connectsthe outputs of one of the players 22 and 24 to the video display output104 and the audio display output 106.

The second timer generator 34 is designed to generate an output signalto initiate a change in the displayed image after an internal timer hasexpired, only if either no audio accompanies the image being displayedor if the audio with the image stops before the internal timer expires.As noted earlier, a five second timer is used in this particularembodiment, although timers Of other durations could be used if desired.More specifically, the second timer generator 34 is controlled bysignals from the second master controller 30 via lines 90 and 92 and bythe second mute generator 38 via line 114. As discussed earlier, thesignal on line 90 starts the internal timer in the second timergenerator 34 and the signal on line 92 indicates when audio has not beendetected with the displayed image by the second master controller 30. Online 114, the signal indicates when audio with the displayed image stopsbefore the internal timer in the second timer generator 34 has expired.The second timer generator 34 has suitable logic and timing circuitryfor transmitting a signal out to the second picture controller 46 vialine 110 and out to the second mute pulse generator via line 111 for theduration of the timer. The second timer generator 34 also has suitablecircuitry for monitoring its own internal timer and the signals on lines92 and 114. If either the signal on line 92 indicates there is no audiowith the displayed image or the signal on line 114 indicates that theaudio with the displayed image has stopped before the internal timer hasexpired, then the second timer generator 34 generates a signal to thesecond next/pause generator 42 to indicate that a change in thedisplayed image is needed via line 112 when the internal timer hasexpired.

The second mute generator 38 is designed to generate a signal toinitiate a change in the displayed image when the audio with thedisplayed image stops, only if the audio stops after the internal timerin the second timer pulse generator 34 has expired. The second mutegenerator 38 is controlled by signals from the second master controller30 via line 94 and the second timer generator 34 via line 111. Line 94carries the signal from the second player 24 which indicates if there isany audio present with the image being displayed. Line 111 transmits thetimer signal which indicates when the internal timer in the second timergenerator 34 is running. The second mute generator 38 has suitable logicand timing circuitry for generating a signal on line 114 which indicatesthat audio has stopped during the duration of the timer in the secondtimer generator 34 and for generating a signal on line 116 whichindicates that the audio has stopped after the timer in the second timergenerator 34 has expired.

The second next/pause generator 42 is designed to generate the nextsignal and then the pause signal for switching the second player 24 tothe next image and then pausing the second player 24 when a change fromthe image being displayed by the second player 24 is desired. The secondnext/pause generator 42 is controlled by signals from the second timergenerator 34 via line 112 and the second mute generator 38 via line 116.The signal on line 112 indicates that either no audio was detected withthe displayed image or the audio with the displayed image stopped duringthe duration of the timer in the second timer generator 34 and the timerin the second timer generator 34 has now expired. The signal on line 116indicates that the audio with the displayed image stopped after thetimer in the second timer generator 34 has expired. The secondnext/pause generator 42 includes suitable logic and timing circuitry tomonitor lines 112 and 116 and to generate the signals on line 96 toinitiate the change of the displayed image. When either the signal online 112 or line 116 is received, the second next/pause generator 42generates a next signal to the second master controller 30 to advancethe second player 24 to the next image and then generates a pause signalto the second master controller 30 to pause the second player 24.

The second picture controller 46 is designed to disable the secondplayer 24 from changing the displayed image. The second picturecontroller 46 is controlled by the timer signal on line 110 from thesecond timer generator 34 and in response to the timer signal disablesthe second player 24 from changing images during the duration of thetimer in the second timer generator 34. The second picture controller 46may control the disabling of the second player 24 with a FET switch (notshown).

The operation of the portfolio photo compact disc video/audio systemwill now be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a-b). Initially, thefirst and second players 22 and 24 are loaded with a photo compact disc(not shown) which has stored on it a number of images and associatedaudio information. When the start button 52 of the control device 26 ispressed, a start signal is transmitted along the line 54 to the firstmaster controller 28 causing at least four different operations tobegin.

Upon receipt of the start signal, the first master controller 28transmits an unpause signal to the first player 22 on the line 60. Theunpause signal causes the first player 22 to unpause and transmit videoand audio signals for an image and any associated audio stored on thephoto CD to the video and audio switchers 48 and 50 lines 72 and 74 andthen out to the display device (not shown). It also causes the firstphoto CD player 22 to transmit a signal via line 58 to the first mastercontroller 28 which indicates, if any audio is present.

The start signal also causes the first master controller 28 to begin aninternal two second timer and to transmit a signal to enable the timerin the first timer generator 32 via line 62. The first timer generator32 transmits a timer signal to the first picture controller 44 and tothe first mute generator 36 via lines 78 and 79 for the duration of thetimer. When the first picture controller 44 receives the timer signal,it transmits a disable signal to the first player 22 via line 76 toprevent the image being displayed by the first player 22 from changingfor the duration of the timer signal.

Meanwhile, the first master controller 28 monitors the signal on line 58and its internal timer. If audio is not detected on line 58 during theduration of the timer then the first master controller 28 transmits asignal via line 64 to the first timer generator 32 which indicates thatthere is no audio with the image being displayed. The first mastercontroller 28 also passes the signal on line 58 through to line 66.

The start signal also causes the first master controller 28 to transmita signal to the second master controller 30 via line 56 to queue to thenext image. In response to this signal, the second master controller 30transmits an unpause signal, a next signal, and then a pause signal insequence to the second player 24 via line 88. Accordingly, the secondplayer 24 is unpaused, queued to the next image on the photo CD afterthe one being displayed by the first player 22 and then paused again.

The first mute generator 36 monitors line 66 and line 79. If the signalon line 66, which indicates if there audio is with the displayed image,stops during the duration of the signal on line 79, which is the timersignal from the first timer generator 32, then a signal is transmittedto the first timer generator 32 via line 82. If the signal on line 66stops after the signal on line 79 has expired, then a signal istransmitted to the first next/pause generator 40 via fine 84.

The first timer generator 32 monitors the signals on 64 and line 82 andits own internal timer. If a signal on either line 64 or 82 is received,then after the timer expires the first timer generator 32 transmits asignal to the first next/pause generator 40 via line 80.

The first next/pause generator 40 monitors lines 80 and 84. When thefirst next/pause generator 40 receives a signal on either lines 80 or84, it initiates a next signal and then a pause signal via line 67 tochange the displayed image.

The first master controller 28 monitors line 67 and when it receives anext signal, it transmits a signal via line 56. When the signal isreceived by the second master controller 30, the second player 24 isunpaused and the next image displayed is the image from the secondplayer 24 with any associated audio. The signal also causes the firstplayer 22 to queue to the next image after the one being displayed bythe second player 24. When the pause signal is received, the firstplayer 22 is paused.

When the second player 24 is unpaused the above described operations fordisplaying the next image described above for the portion of the controldevice 26 illustrated primarily in FIG. 1(a) is initiated for theportion illustrated primarily in FIG. 1(b). Since the operation for theportion of the control device 26 illustrated primarily in FIG. 1(b) issubstantially identical to that for the portion illustrated primarily inFIG. 1(a) and previously described above, the operations will not berepeated here again. The operations in the first portion will beginagain when the second next/pause generator 42 transmits a signal vialine 96 to the second master controller 30 indicating that a change indisplayed images is needed. The second master controller 30 will thentransmit a signal to the first master controller 28 via line 56 to beginthe operation on the FIG. 1(a) portion again.

In FIG. 2(a), a more detailed block diagram of a portion of the firstmaster controller 28 is illustrated. The start button 52 is coupled to aset-reset (SR) latch 118. In this particular embodiment, an SN7400debouncer is used for the SR-latch 118. The SR-latch's output is coupledto three locations. The SR-latch's output is coupled to the secondmaster controller 30 via line 56 to generate the unpause, next and pausesequence and also to the input of a buffer 122 whose output is coupledto an input of an OR gate 120. The output of the OR gate 120 is coupledto a buffer 126 whose output is coupled to line 62. The output of the ORgate 120 is also coupled to a buffer 128 whose output is coupled to theinput of a buffer 129 whose output is coupled to the A input of aflip-flop 130 and to the A input of a flip-flop 124. In this particularembodiment, a 7407 buffer is used for the buffers, although other typesof buffers could be used. The Q output of the flip-flop 124 is coupledto the A input of another flip-flop 132 and the Q' output of theflip-flop 124 is coupled to the A input of another flip-flop 133. The Qoutput of the flip-flop 132 is coupled to the clock input, CLK, of aD-flip-flop 134 and the Q output of the flip-flop 133 is coupled to thepreset input, PR, of the D-flip-flop 134. The Q output from theD-flip-flop 134 is passed through a buffer 136 and then out to line 64.The Q output 0f the flip-flop 130 is coupled to line 70 and the Q'output is coupled to the A input of a flip-flop 138. The Q output of theflip-flop 138 is coupled to one input of an OR gate 140. The other inputto the OR gate 140 is coupled to line 68. The output of the OR gate 140is coupled to line 59. Line 58 from the first photo. CD player 22 iscoupled to line 66 and is also coupled to the A input of a flip-flop142. The Q output of the flip-flop 142 is coupled to the D input of theD-flip-flop 134. As discussed earlier, the Q output of the D-flip-flop134 is passed through the buffer 136 and out to line 64.

In FIG. 2(b) the remaining portion of the first master controller 28 isillustrated. Line 59 is coupled to one end of a switch 61 and the otherend of the switch 61 is coupled to another switch 69 which is coupled toline 60. Line 67 is coupled to one end of a switch 65 and the other endof switch 65 is coupled to another switch 71 which is coupled to line68. The Q' output of a flip-flop 63 is coupled to the switches 61 and 65and controls the operation of the switches 61 and 65. In this particularembodiment a FET switch is used for switches 61, 65, 69 and 71, althoughother types of switches could be used. When a signal is received oneither line 59 or 67 then the respective switch 61 65 is opened with theflip-flop 63 for a period of time and then is closed. When switch 61 or67 opens then switches 69 and 71, respectively close generating a signalon lines 60 and 68. In this particular embodiment the switch is openedfor ten Seconds, although other time durations could be used. Since thesecond master controller 30 has a substantially similar construction tothe first master controller 28, the particular connections will not bedescribed in detail here again.

The operation of the first master controller 28 will now be explained ingreater detail, with references to FIGS. 3(a-b) to illustrate theoperation of the no-sound detection portion of the controller 28. Whenthe start button 52 is pressed, line 54 goes high and then low whenreleased generating a signal on line 54 which indicates to the SR-latch118 to start the system. In response to this signal, the SR-latch 118outputs a signal on line 56 to signal the second master controller 30 toqueue to the next image and also outputs a signal to the clock input,CLK, and a preset input, PR, for the D-flip-flop 134 through two pairsof flip-flops 124 and 132, and 124 and 133, included for timingpurposes. The SR latch 118 also outputs a signal through a pair offlip-flops 130 and 138 to one of the inputs for the OR gate 140 andthrough a flip-flop 130 and out to line 70. The signal output to line 70indicates to the video and audio switchers 48 and 50 to select the videoand audio signals from the first player 22. When the signal, which ishigh, from the flip-flop 138 reaches one input of the OR gate 140, theoutput of the OR gate 140 goes high generating a signal on line 59. Thesignal on line 59 opens up switch 61 and closes switch 69 whichgenerates a signal on line 60. The signal output on line 60 unpauses thefirst player 22 which outputs video and audio signals to the video andaudio switchers 48 and 50 for the image to be displayed and anyassociated audio to be played. The other input to the OR gate is thesignal on line 68, which indicates if the first next/pause generator issignalling a need to change the displayed image. The signal on line 68is generated from the signal on line 67. The signal on line 67 goes highwhen a change in image is needed. When line 67 goes high then switch 65is opened and switch 71 is closed generating a signal on line 68. Thesignal on line 68 causes the output of the OR gate 140 to go high againand generates a signal on line 59 and then to line 60, as explainedabove, to pause the first player 22. The first master controller 28 alsoreceives a signal on line 58, which indicates if there is any audio withthe displayed image, and transmits the signal to the A input of theflip-flop 142 which outputs the signal to the D input of the D-flip-flop134 and to line 66 to the first mute generator 36. If there is audiopresent with the displayed image, then the signal on line 58 goes low,otherwise the signal remains high. Referring to FIG. 3(a), if thesignal, shown on the D line from line 58, goes high during the twosecond timer, then the Q output of the D-flip-flop remains high, asshown on the Q line, and a signal on line 64 is not generated,indicating audio is present. Referring to FIG. 3(b), if the signal,shown on the D line, remains low during the two second timer, then the Qoutput of the D flip-flop is driven low and then high, as shown on the Qline, generating a signal on line 64, indicating audio is not present.The second master controller 30 has a substantially similar operation tothe first master controller 28 and therefore the operation will not bedescribed here again.

In FIG. 4, a more detailed block diagram of the first timer generator 32is illustrated. Line 62 is coupled to the A input of a flip-flop 144whose Q output is coupled to an A input of another flip-flop 146. The Qoutput of the flip-flop 146 is coupled through a buffer 148 to line 79.The Q output of the flip-flop 146 is also coupled to the A input ofanother flip-flop 150 whose Q output is coupled to the clock input, CLK,of a D-flip-flop 152. The Q output of the D-flip-flop 152 is coupled tothe A input of a flip-flop 154 whose Q output is coupled to line 80. TheQ' output of the flip-flop 146 is coupled to the A input of a flip-flop156 whose Q output is coupled to the preset input, PR, of theD-flip-flop 152. The Q' output of the flip-flop 146 is also coupled tothe input of a buffer 81 whose output is coupled to line 78. Line 64 andline 82 are coupled to an AND gate 158. Lines 64 and 82 are normallyheld high. The output of the AND gate 158 is coupled to the A input of aflip-flop 160 whose Q' output is coupled to the D input of theD-flip-flop 152. Since the second timer generator 34 has a similarconstruction to the first timer generator 32, the particular connectionwill not be described again.

The operation of the first timer generator 32 will now be explained ingreater detail, including references to FIGS. 5(a-b) which are used tofurther illustrate when the signal on line 80 is generated indicatingthat a change in the displayed image is needed. The signal on line 62,which indicates that the timer in the first timer generator 32 is to bestarted, is input through a pair of flip-flops 144 and 146 and causes asignal to be output to the first mute generator 34 via line 79 and tothe first change controller 44 via line 78 for the duration of thetimer. The signal is also passed through another flip-flop 150 and thento the clock input, CLK, of the D-flip-flop 152. The first changepicture controller 44 disables the first player 22 from changing imagesduring the duration of the signal on line 78. Lines 64 and 82 arenormally held high. When either goes low because of a signal on line 64or 82, indicating that either there is no audio with the displayed imageor the audio stopped during the timer then the output of the AND gate158 goes low. The D input of the D-flip-flop 152 is responsive tochanges in the output of the AND gate 158 through flip-flop 160.Referring to FIG. 5(a), when the D input from the AND gate 158 goes low,as shown on line D, any time during the timer signal then the Q outputof flip-flop 152, shown on line Q, is driven low and then high. When theQ output goes low and then high, the flip-flop 154 coupled to this Qoutput creates the signal on line 80, shown on the timer line whichindicates that a change in the displayed image is needed. Referring toFIG. 5(b), if neither line 64 nor line 82 goes low during the timersignal, then D input remains high, as shown on line D, and no signal isgenerated on the Q line, line 80, for the first next/pause generator 40.Since the second timer generator 34 has a similar operation to the firsttimer generator 32, the particular operation will not be describedagain.

Referring to FIG. 6, a more detailed block diagram of the first mutegenerator 36 is illustrated. Line 66 is coupled to an A input of aflip-flop 162 and to an invertor 164 whose output is coupled to an Ainput of a flip-flop 166. Line 79 is coupled to the clock input, CLK, ofa D-flip-flop 168 and to an invertor 170 whose output is fed to a clockinput, CLK, in another D-flip-flop 172. The Q' output of the D-flip-flop168 is output to the A input of a flip-flop 174 whose Q output iscoupled to line 82. The second D-flip-flop 172 has a Q' output which iscoupled to an A input of a flip-flop 176 whose Q output is coupled toline 84. Since the second mute generator 38 has a similar constructionto the first mute generator 36 the particular connections will not bedescribed in detail here again.

The operation of the first mute generator 36 will be explained ingreater detail with some references to FIGS. 7(a-b). The signal on line66, which indicates if there is any audio with the displayed image, istransmitted to two circuits in the first mute generator 36, amute-during-timer circuit 178 and a mute-after-timer circuit 180. Thesignal transmitted to the mute-after-timer circuit 180 on line 66 isinverted by invertor 164. The signal on line 79, which goes high for theduration of the timer in the first timer generator 32, is alsotransmitted to both circuits and is also inverted by invertor 170 beforeit is transmitted to the mute-after-five-second-timer circuit 180. Thesignal on line 79 is used as the clock signal for both D-flip-flops 168and 172 in the circuits. Referring to

FIG. 7(a), the clock signal, shown on the CLK line, goes high during thefive-second-timer signal. If the D input of the D-flip-flop 168, shownon the D line, goes high during the duration of the timer in the firsttimer generator 32 then the Q' output of the D-flip-flop 168 is drivenlow, as shown on the Q' line, and generates a signal through flip-flop174 on line 82 for the first timer generator 32, Which indicates thatthe audio stopped before the timer expired. Referring to FIG. 7(b), theclock signal, shown on the CLK line, is low during the duration of thetimer in the first timer generator 32 and goes high when the timer hasexpired. If the D input of the D-flip-flop 172, shown on line D, goeshigh after the timer has expired then the Q' output of the D-flip-flop172, as shown on the Q' line, is driven low generating a signal throughflip-flop 176 on line 84 for the first next/pause generator 40, whichindicates that the audio stopped after the timer expired. Since thesecond mute generator 38 has a similar operation to; the first mutegenerator 36 the particular operation will not be described in detailhere again.

Referring to FIG. 8(a) a more detailed block diagram of the firstnext/pause generator is illustrated. Lines 80 and 84 are coupled to theinputs of an OR gate 182 whose output is coupled to the A input of aflip-flop 184. The Q output of the a flip-flop 184 is coupled to line 67and also to the A input of another flip-flop 186. The Q output of theA-flip-flop 186 is coupled to the A input of another flip-flop 188 whoseQ output is coupled to line 67. Since the second next/pause generator 42has a similar construction to the first next/pause generator 40, theparticular connections will not be described here again in detail.

The operation of the first next/pause generator 40 will now be describedin greater detail with particular reference to FIG. 8(b). When either asignal from lines 80 or 84, indicating that a change in the displayedimage is needed is received, it is transmitted to the OR gate 182.Referring to FIG. 8(b), when either signal is received, as shown by thepulse in line A, then the output of the OR gate 182 goes high. Thissignal is transmitted through the flip-flop 184 which outputs a signalout to line 67, as shown in line B, which indicates that the firstplayer 22 should be queued to the next image and any associated audio.The output of the flip-flop 184 is also passed through another flip-flop186 to generate the internal timing delay shown in line C. This delaysignal is passed through another flip-flop 188 which outputs the signal,shown in line D, for line 67, which indicates that the first player 22should now be paused. Since the second next/pause generator 42 has asimilar operation to the first next/pause generator 40, the particularoperation will not be described here again in detail.

Referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram of another embodiment of a compactdisc visual/audio display system 190 in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated. The system includes a compact disc (CD) reader192 and a control device 194. The CD reader has at least first andsecond heads 196 and 198 which are adapted to read one compact disc (notshown). The control device 194 includes an on/off switch 200, a playswitch 201, a CD reader controller 202, a CD reader switch 204, a firstframe store 206, a second frame store 208, a video switch 210, an audiodigital-to-analog (D/A) converter 212, a video D/A converter 214, and anaudio sample controller 216. Control device 194 controls the CD reader192 in response to the audio being output with each image so that imagescan be displayed in succession without a noticeable transitional delay.The control device 194 shown in FIG. 9 is identical to the controldevice 26 shown in FIGS. 1(a-b), except as described below.

On/off switch 200 and play switch 201 are coupled to CD readercontroller 202 in control device 194. On/off switch 200 turns system 190on and off and play switch 201 puts system 190 in play mode. CD readercontroller 202 is coupled to CD reader 192 and transmits control signalsto first and second heads 196 and 198 and receives signals from reader192 which indicate the position of the first and second heads 196 and198. CD reader controller 202 controls the positioning of first andsecond heads 196 and 198 in CD reader 192 on the different tracks on thecompact discs. CD reader controller 202 is also coupled to CD readerswitch 204 and controls when CD reader switch 204 changes connections.

CD reader 192 has at least first and second heads 196 and 198 which areadapted to read the compact disc. The first and second video and audiosignals read by first and second heads 196 and 198 are output from CDreader 192 through first video and audio outputs 218 and 220 and secondvideo and audio outputs 222 and 224, respectively. CD reader 192transmits information back to CD reader controller 202 to indicate theposition of first and second heads 196 and 198 on the compact disc.

CD reader switch 204 is coupled to first video and audio outputs 218 and220, second video and audio outputs 222 and 224, first frame store 206,second frame store 208, and audio D/A converter 212. CD reader switch204 is adapted to connect either first video output 218 to first framestore 206 and second audio output 224 to audio D/A converter 212 (asshown in FIG. 9) or second video output 222 to second frame store 208and first audio output 220 to audio D/A converter 212. The first andsecond video signals read by first and second heads 196 and 198 in CDreader 192 are passed through CD reader switch 204 to be stored in firstand second frames stores 206 and 208 when connected by CD reader switch204. Although not shown, system 190 could include first and second audiostores to store the audio signals associated with the images in firstand second frame stores 206 and 208.

Video switch 210 is coupled between first and second frame stores 206and 208 and video D/A converter 214. Video switch 210 connects first orsecond frame store 206 or 208 which is not connected by CD reader switch204 to CD reader 192 to video D/A converter 214. The video and audio D/Aconverters 214 and 212 are coupled to display video and audio outputs226 and 228 for control device 194 and each converter 214 and 212changes the digital video and audio signals to analog formats beforebeing output from control device 194 through display video and audiooutputs 226 and 228.

Audio sample controller 216 is coupled to audio D/A converter 212, CDreader controller 202, and video switch 210. Audio sample controller 216receives the first or second audio signal which is being output out ofthe display audio output 228 from audio D/A converter 212. In thisparticular embodiment, audio sample controller 216 is constructed andoperates the same as first master controller 28, first timer generator32, first mute generator 36, first picture controller 44, and firstnext/pause generator 40 as shown in FIG. 1(a) except as described below.Audio sample controller 216 controls the operation of CD readercontroller 202 and video switch 210 in response to the audio beingoutput and also in response to at least one internal timer. The internaltimer is set to run for a period of time greater then the amount of timeneeded for the next image to be stored in first or second frame store206 or 208 for display. In this embodiment, about 3.5 seconds is neededto load the next image in either first or second frame store 206 or 208,so the timer is set for about 5 seconds. The particular length of timefor the internal timer can vary as needed and desired. The system 190monitors both the audio being output and the internal timer and changesthe image being displayed after the later of the audio stopping or timerexpiring. As a result, the change will always be made without anoticeable transitional delay.

The operation of the alternative embodiment for the compact discvisual/audio display system 190 is discussed below with reference toFIG. 9 and to the flow charts in FIGS. 10(a-b). To start the system, CDreader 192 is loaded with a compact disc. When on/off switch 200 isturned on, on/off switch 200 transmits an on signal to CD readercontroller 202. (Step 230).

CD reader controller 202 transmits a signal to CD reader 192 to havefirst head 196 read the first video signals for the first image from thephoto compact disc. (Step 232). Second head 198 in CD reader 192 remainson standby. First and second heads 196 and 198 in CD reader 192 can readthe tracks for each image on the compact discs sequentially or can beprogrammed to read tracks on the compact disc in any order desired.Throughout the operation of the system CD reader 192 will periodicallytransmits information back to CD reader controller 202 on the positionof first and second heads 196 and 198.

CD reader controller 202 also transmits a signal to CD reader switch 204to connect first video output 218 to first video frame store 206 andsecond audio output 224 to audio D/A converter 212. The first videosignals are transmitted from first video output 218 through CD readerswitch 204 and are stored in first frame store 206. (Step 234). Secondframe store 208 is empty at this time. (Step 236). Since second head 198has not been engaged, there are no second audio signals beingtransmitted from second audio output 224 through CD reader switch 204 toaudio D/A converter 212.

Once the first video image is stored, play mode is initiated when playswitch 201 is turned on. (Step 238). CD reader controller 202 signalsfirst head 196 to read the first audio signals from the compact disc andsignals second head 198 to read the second video signals for the secondimage from the compact disc. (Step 240).

CD reader controller 202 also signals CD reader switch 204 to changeconnections and to connect second video output 222 to second frame store208, disconnecting first video output 218 from first frame store 206,and to connect first audio output 220 to audio D/A converter 212,disconnecting second audio output 224 from audio D/A converter 212.(Step 242). Video switch 210 is set to connect first frame store 206 tovideo D/A converter 214. Audio and video D/A converters 212 and 214convert the digital first video and audio signals to analog first videoand audio signals and transmit them to the display video and audiooutputs 226 and 228, respectively.

The audio signals being output by audio A/D converter 212 are sampled byaudio sample controller 216. (Step 244). As noted earlier, the operationof audio sample controller 216 is the same as the first mastercontroller 28, the first timer generator 32, the first mute generator36, the first picture controller 44, and the first next/pause generator40 as shown in FIG. 1(a) except as described below. The audio signalfrom audio A/D converter 212 starts at least one internal timer in audiosample controller 216. The internal timer is set to run for apredetermined period of time which is greater than the amount of timeneed to store the next video signals for the next image into first orsecond frame stores 206 or 208. In this particular embodiment,three-and-a-half seconds is needed to load the next image, so theinternal timer is set for five seconds, although other periods of timecould be used. Audio sample controller 216 monitors both the audio beingoutput and the timer. If there is no audio with the image beingdisplayed or the audio signals stop before the internal timer expires,then audio sample controller 216 does not signal a switch until theinternal timer expires. If audio sample controller 216 detects audiosignals past the expiration of the internal timer, then audio samplecontroller 216 will not signal a switch until the audio signals stop.When audio sample controller 216 determines that a switch should bemade, audio sample controller 216 signals CD reader controller 202 andvideo switch 210. (Step 246).

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10(b), when audio sample controller 216 signalsa switch, then CD reader controller 202 signals first head 196 m CDreader 192 to read the next video signals on the photo compact disc andsignals second head 198 to read the audio signals associated with thedisplayed video signals. (Step 248). CD reader controller 202 alsosignals CD reader switch 204 to connect first frame store 206 to firstvideo output 218 to store the next video image and to connect secondaudio output 224 to audio D/A converter 212. Audio sample controller 216also signals video switch 210 to switch the connection from first framestore 206 to video D/A converter 214 to second frame store 208. Thesecond video image in second frame store 208 is transmitted to video D/Aconverter 214. Video D/A converters 214 converts the digital secondvideo signal to an analog second video signal and audio D/A converter212 converts the digital second audio signal being output from secondaudio output 224 of CD reader 192 to an analog second audio signal. Theanalog second video and audio signals are output through the displayvideo and audio outputs 226 and 228, respectively.

The second audio signals are also sent to audio sample controller 216from audio D/A converter 212 starting the internal timer in audio samplecontroller 216. Audio sample controller 216 monitors the second audiosignals and the internal timer. If there are no second audio signals orthe second audio signals expire before the internal timer then audiosample controller 216 signals a switch after the internal timer expires.This provides sufficient time for the video signals for the next image,to be stored in first frame store 206 and be ready for displayimmediately. If the second audio signals continue after the internaltimer expires, then audio sample controller 216 signals a switch whenthe second audio signals stop. When audio sample controller 216determines that a switch should be made, audio sample controller 216signals first/second controller 202 and video switch 210. (Step 250).

The process continues as described above until on/off switch 200 or playswitch 201 is turned off or CD reader 192 is programmed not to read anymore tracks off of the compact discs. First and second heads 196 and 198can read tracks off of the compact disc in any order desired. As theabove description of the operation of the system 190 illustrates, thesystem 190 is able to switch the between video images without anoticeable transitional delay.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations andmodifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope of the invention. For example, some orall of the operations performed separately in the first and secondmaster controller, first and second timer generator, first and secondmute generator, first and second picture controller, and/or first andsecond next/pause generator could be combined in an alternative design.

PARTS LIST

20 portfolio compact disc visual/audio system

22 first photo compact disc player

24 second photo compact disc player

26 control device

28 first master controller

30 second master controller

32 first timer generator

34 second timer generator

36 first mute generator

38 second mute generator

40 first next/pause generator

42 second next/pause generator

44 first picture controller

46 second picture controller

48 video switcher

50 audio switcher

52 start button

54 line

56 line

58 line

59 line

60 line

61 switch

62 line

63 flip-flop

64 line

65 switch

66 line

67 line

68 line

69 switch

70 line

71 switch

72 line

74 line

76 line

78 line

79 line

80 line

81 buffer

82 line

84 line

86 line

88 line

90 line

92 line

94 line

96 line

98 line

100 line

102 line

104 line

106 line

108 line

110 line

112 line

114 line

116 line

118 SR-latch

120 OR gate

122 buffer

124 flip-flop

126 buffer

128 buffer

129 buffer

130 flip-flop

132 flip-flop

133 flip-flop

134 D-flip-flop

136 buffer

138 flip-flop

140 OR gate

142 flip-flop

144 flip-flop

146 flip-flop

148 buffer

150 flip-flop

152 D-flip-flop

154 flip-flop

156 flip-flop

158 AND gate

160 flip-flop

162 flip-flop

164 invertor

166 flip-flop

168 D-flip-flop

170 invertor

172 D-flop-flop

174 flip-flop

176 flip-flop

178 mute-during-timer circuit

180 mute-after-timer circuit

182 OR gate

184 flip-flop

186 flip-flop

188 flip-flop

190 compact disc visual/audio system

192 compact disc reader

194 control device

196 first head

198 second head

200 on/off switch

202 first/second controller

204 first/second switch

206 first frame store

208 second frame store

210 video switch

212 audio digital-to-analog converter

214 video D/A converter

216 audio sample controller

218 first video output

220 first audio output

222 second video output

224 second audio output

226 display video output

228 display audio output

230 step

232 step

234 step

236 step

238 step

240 step

242 step

244 step

246 step

248 step

250 step

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for outputting images and anyassociated audio stored on a photo compact disc, the apparatuscomprising:a compact disc reader for reading the photo compact disc, thereader having a first video-output and a first audio-outputrepresentative of one image and any associated audio stored on the photocompact disc and having a second video-output and a second audio-outputrepresentative of another image and any associated audio stored on thephoto compact disc; and a control device having a video-for-displayoutput and an audio-for-display output, the control device furthercomprising an audio-sample controller and a CD reader switch, theaudio-sample controller coupled to the CD reader switch, theaudio-for-display output and the CD reader switch, the CD reader switchcoupled between the first video-output, the second video output, thefirst audio-output, and the second audio-output and thevideo-for-display output and the audio-for-display output, theaudio-sample controller controlling the CD reader switch to selectivelychange the video-for-display output between the images from the firstvideo-output and the second video output in response to the audio on theaudio-for-display output.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thecontrol device further comprises a first timer and said control devicecontrols said CD reader switch to selectively change thevideo-for-display output between the images from the first video-outputand the second video-output in response to the audio on theaudio-for-display output and the first timer.
 3. The apparatus of claim2 wherein the first timer has a duration longer than the time needed tochange between two images without a perceptible transitional delay, theaudio-sample controller controlling the CD reader switch to change thefirst video-output or the second video-output coupled to thevideo-for-display output after the later of the expiration of the firsttimer or the detection of no audio on the audio-for-display output. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first timer has a duration of atleast three-and-a-half seconds.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thecontrol device further comprises:a video switch coupled to thevideo-for-display output, the audio-sample controller coupled to thevideo switch; a first-frame store coupled between the CD reader switchand the video switch; and a second-frame store coupled between the CDreader switch and the video switch; the audio-sample controllercontrolling the CD reader switch to connect either the firstvideo-output to the first-frame store and the second audio-output to theaudio-for display output or the second video-output to the second-framestore and the first audio-output to the audio for display output inresponse to the audio on the audio-for display output; the audio-samplecontroller also controlling the video switch to connect the first-framestore or the second-frame store which is not connected by the CD readerswitch to the first video-output or the second video-output to thevideo-for-display output in response to the audio on the audio-fordisplay output.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a CDreader controller coupled between the audio sample controller and thecompact disc reader, the CD reader controller controlling the reader toread out an image from the compact disc to be stored in the first orsecond video frame store coupled to the reader by the CD reader switchwhile controlling the reader to read the audio associated with the imagestored in the first or second frame store coupled to thevideo-for-display output by the video switch in response to a controlsignal from the audio-sample controller.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6wherein the audio sample controller includes a first timer and the audiosample controller controls the CD reader controller, the video switch,and the CD reader switch in response to the first timer and to the audioon the audio-for-display output.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein thefirst timer has a duration longer than the time needed to change animage without a perceptible transitional delay, the audio samplecontroller triggers the CD reader controller to change the CD readerswitch to switch the connection after the later of the expiration of thefirst timer or the detection of no audio from the audio-for-displayoutput.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first timer has aduration of at least three-and-a-half seconds.
 10. A method foroutputting images and any associated audio stored on a photo compactdisc, a reader reading the compact disc and outputting a firstvideo-output and a first audio-output representative of one image andany associated audio from the photo compact disc and having a secondvideo-output and a second audio-output representative of another imageand any associated audio from the photo compact disc and a controldevice having a video-for-display output and an audio-for-displayoutput, the control device further comprising an audio-sample controllerand a CD reader switch, the audio-sample controller coupled to the CDreader switch, the audio-for display output and the CD reader switch,the CD reader switch coupled between the first video-output, the secondvideo output, the first audio-output, and the second audio-output andthe video-for-display output and the audio-for display output, themethod comprising the steps of:monitoring the audio on theaudio-for-display output with the audio-sample controller; andcontrolling the CD reader switch in response to the audio to connect thevideo-for-display output to change between the images from the firstvideo-output and the second video-output in response to the audio on theaudio-for-display output.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprisingthe steps of:monitoring a first timer in the control device; andcontrolling the CD reader switch in response to the audio on theaudio-for-display output and to the first timer.
 12. The method of claim11 wherein the first timer has a duration longer than the time needed tochange an image without a perceptible transitional delay, the controldevice controlling the CD reader switch to change the first video-outputor the second video-output coupled to the video-for-display output afterthe later of the expiration of the first timer or the detection of noaudio from the audio-for-display output.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein the first timer has a duration of at least three-and-a-halfseconds.